When to plant Che Fruit in Pickens County, GA
Pickens County sits in cold Zone 8a. Plant Che Fruit April 22–May 6 for the single annual harvest; the November 1 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Che Fruit in Pickens County, GA
What to do in June
Each item below is timed to Pickens County, Georgia's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Che fruit (Chinese mulberry) is a small, cold-hardy tree producing round, red fruits with a sweet, watermelon-fig flavor. It is an underutilized fruit tree with great potential.
Pickens County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.
At an elevation of 365 feet, Pickens County receives approximately 57 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Che Fruit, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.
Pickens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Che Fruit Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Pickens County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.4) is more acidic than Che Fruit prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Pickens County is excellent for Che Fruit — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Che Fruit.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Che Fruit.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Che Fruit Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Che Fruit
Che Fruit needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Che Fruit Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Pickens County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Che Fruit Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Pickens County, GA
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
214 days in Pickens County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Pickens County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after April 01 in Pickens County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Pickens County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Che Fruit. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your 214.0-day growing season in Pickens County is tight for Che Fruit (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil. A male pollinator is needed for seeded fruit, but seedless fruit can set parthenocarpically. Minimal pruning required. Fruits ripen in late summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Che Fruit in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Che Fruit in Pickens County, GA?
Pickens County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pickens County, GA?
Pickens County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 1.
When should I plant Che Fruit in Pickens County, GA?
In Pickens County, GA, plant Che Fruit after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pickens County, GA for Che Fruit?
Pickens County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Che Fruit grows reliably in zones 5a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Che Fruit grow in Pickens County's climate?
Yes — Che Fruit grows well in Pickens County's temperate climate. Pickens County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 1.
Your Pickens County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pickens County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.